Conclusion

Who am I?

WRITING THE CONCLUSION

PURPOSE: The purpose of the conclusion to any essay is to highlight the ultimate point the writer is trying to make and to bring the essay full-circle.

There are three sections to a conclusion; they need to be linked closely so that each section flows into the next section with a common thread:

A. REVISITING YOUR THESIS:  Begin with a reminder of your Thesis without restating it.  This should be one, somewhat simple sentence, but it could be longer if you choose.

Example:

Thesis Statement from Introduction:  Though I want to wait for an extraordinary person to stop injustice, Homeboy Sandman identifies situations where I can choose to help others or ignore their situations.

Revisited Thesis: By incorporating situations of homelessness that resound with my experiences, Homeboy Sandman encourages me to try to make a difference in the world

Now You Try:

Write your Thesis here: ______________________________________________________________________

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Now, Revisit your Thesis: ____________________________________________________________________

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Now, copy your Revisited Thesis into your rough draft packet.

B. Address the ENDURING UNDERSTANDING of your piece.  In other words, now that you have presented your argument in the body of your paper, what is the greater message about life that you want your audience to understand?  I like to refer to this section as the “ultimate So What?”  It should take you several sentences to do this well.

Example:

The perspectives of a common man, a homeless man, and Homeboy Sandman towards the situations and circumstances that surround homelessness demonstrate that people have different reactions towards what they encounter in life.  “Angels with Dirty Faces” brought me face to face with the reality that my actions speak fathomless words.  I can hold ideals of justice, but until I assist those who are mistreated, my ideals are meaningless. A homeless man will not know if I have a superior condescending attitude or a passionate sympathetic attitude unless I demonstrate it.  My mind isn’t read by people.  I must concentrate on the opportunities I have to help others, trust God’s voice, and act.   

Now You Try:

Write your Enduring Understanding here:

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Now, copy your Enduring Understanding into your rough draft packet.

C. Your CLOSER should respond to your OPENER chosen for the beginning of your essay.  The effectiveness of the CLOSER is directly related to the effectiveness of the OPENER.  This helps to bring your essay full circle.

            IF you….                                                        Then…

Asked a question                                            Answer it.

Defined something…                                     Add an additional layer to the meaning.

Told an anecdote…                                        Give a greater meaning to the story.

Gave a fact/observation/statement…              Comment on its greater significance.

Quoted something…                                      Return to it with greater relevance.

Example Topic: Change & Transformation

Sample Opener: Statement

I’m aggravated when people describe a homeless person as detestable.  They may without a home, but they are still a human being worthy of respect. 

Sample Closer for above Quotation:

God loves all people equally and I want to do the same.  Though the world may look down upon homeless people, I need to love them.

Now You Try:

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Now, copy your Closer into your rough draft packet.